Kenya plans to extend the meter-gauge railway, abandoning the pipeline scheme in favor of transporting crude oil by rail.

Golden Ten Data reported on March 11 that Kenya is considering extending its railway to the oil fields in its northwest, planning to transport crude oil by rail to the Indian Ocean port by 2030, thus providing an alternative to the previously proposed export pipeline. The report states that the use of railway oil tankers "aims to achieve a more cost-effective, flexible, and multi-purpose infrastructure solution, not only serving oil projects but also integrating with the broader national transportation network." If constructed, this line will open a new export corridor from the East African interior to the Indian Ocean, which will determine whether Kenya can become a regular supplier to overseas markets. According to the report, the planned railway may also transport clinker, cement, and minerals, thereby enhancing its commercial viability.